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Woman charged with vehicular homicide

Two months after a fatal crash claimed the life of a passenger, the driver has been charged with vehicular homicide and vehicular manslaughter charges.

Janet Wilson, 22, of Cincinnati, has been charged with vehicular homicide, a first degree misdemeanor, and vehicular manslaughter, a second-degree misdemeanor, in connection with the death of 36-year-old Dianne Evans in a crash on Feb. 10. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Wilson was driving westbound on Johnson Road and stopped at the intersection of Folk Ream Road to make a left turn.

“With our investigation it appeared she did stop at the stop sign and then when she went through the intersection, she failed to yield the right of way,” said Sgt. Bo Schmutz of the state patrol.

Wilson’s vehicle was struck on the passenger side by a 2008 Chrysler Pacifica, driven by 41-year-old Duretha Rosasco. The intersection is a two-way stop, Schmutz said, and Rosasco had the right of way.

Evans died at the scene and Wilson was flown by medical helicopter to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton.

The highway patrol presented its findings to the Clark County Municipal Court prosecutor, who filed charges against Wilson. Schmutz said it’s possible Wilson didn’t realize the other car didn’t have to stop, despite signs warning it was only a two-way stop.

Related

Emergency crews were on scene of a two-car fatal crash Sunday afternoon, Feb. 10, 2013, at Folk Ream and Johnson roads in Pike Twp. One person was pronounced dead at the scene and another was transported by medical helicopter to Miami Valley Hospital. Marshall Gorby/Staff

“It’s a tragic loss for both the victim’s family and for the person that (caused the crash),” Schmutz said. “But that’s just how our law is based.”

In Clark County Municipal Court on Monday, Wilson pleaded not guilty to both of the charges. She didn’t comment on the case, but asked the judge for a public defender.

The case has been reassigned to Judge Eugene Nevius. If convicted, Wilson faces up to nine months in jail and $1,750 in fines.

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